Radiography of the spine Flashcards
what types of imaging show bone
X-ray, CT, MRI
what types of imaging show soft tissue
CT, especially MRI
describe the normal shape of the spine, from top to bottom
cervical lordosis, thoracic kyphosis, lumbar lordosis
what features are looked for when interpreting spinal images
consecutive vertebrae have similar size, normal anatomical features can be identified, normal alignment, variation from either of these = trouble
when would CT be used for spinal trauma instead of X-ray
more detail needed, or trauma suspected but normal X-ray
describe how intravertebral ligaments are relevant to spinal imaging
cant be seen on CT or X-ray, but if proper alignment they are intact, if not then they are damaged
how do intravertebral ligaments appear on MRI
normal ligaments black, damaged ligaments light
when would an MRI be used to investigate spinal trauma
provide detail of intravertebral ligaments, patients with neurological deficit to show soft tissue abnormality
what features of vertebral bone tumours can be seen with X-ray and CT
bone destruction, bone sclerosis
what features of vertebral bone tumours can be seen on MRI scan
bone marrow infiltration(early), extradural mass and spinal cord compression(late)
how is bone destruction seen in radiography
normal anatomical features become invisible
what is the best imaging to view intervertebral discs
MRI best, shows all disc prolapses
what does CT show in regard to intervertebral discs
shows only lower lumbar disc prolapses, discs seen as grey on CT
what imaging is the only one that adequately shows the spinal cord
MRI
